Flower shop owner falls victim to money laundering scheme

A flower shop owner in eastern China has become the unwitting victim of a money laundering scam.

The woman, surnamed Mao, received a recent order for a flower bouquet unlike any other. The customer requested 52,000 yuan ($7,200) to be arranged within the flowers as part of a marriage proposal. In Chinese culture, the pronunciation of the number 520 sounds similar to "I love you," likely explaining the unusual request.

Without much suspicion, Mao provided her bank account details to the customer. After receiving the money, she withdrew it and created the floral arrangement. However, her joy was short-lived. Shortly after delivering the bouquet, Mao learned her bank account had been frozen.

Authorities investigating the case discovered the money Mao received originated from suspected fraudulent activity. The case remains under investigation.

This incident highlights a growing trend of criminals using customized flower and cake orders to launder money. Similar cases have been reported in Xiangyang, Hubei province, and Yongxin, Jiangxi province. In January, a cake shop owner in Yulin, Shaanxi province, unknowingly participated in money laundering when a customer requested 35,000 yuan to be hidden inside a cake for a supposed wedding anniversary.

Public interest lawyer Liu Dongchen warns that businesses involved in such schemes could face serious consequences. Those knowingly complicit in money laundering activities may be charged with aiding and abetting, concealing, or money laundering offenses. Even in cases of unwitting involvement, businesses could face administrative penalties.

Liu advises businesses to remain vigilant against unusual orders to avoid becoming entangled in money laundering schemes.